Our People

Building the future. One team member at a time.

Saul B. Thompson

Saul B. Thompson is the founder of Aviation Advisor, Inc. In his role as President, Saul draws on 3 decades of business and military aviation expertise to deliver exceptional programs, service levels and experiences to all aircraft management, aircraft charter and consulting clients. Saul served in the U.S. military where he became a test pilot for various types of military aircraft including experimental models. During his service, Saul achieved both advanced aircraft and special operations qualifications and directed Joint Service Special operations programs.

In 2000, Saul took the best practices developed over 3 decades in aviation and forged a new aircraft management, executive charter and consulting company known as Aviation Advisor, Inc. Today, Saul leads what has become the industry standard for private aviation management and services. Saul is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics. Saul has completed numerous specialized training courses both in the military and civilian sectors. Saul is type rated in multiple aircraft and helicopters and is also seaplane rated.

Eric Sanchez

As Aviation Advisor’s Chief Pilot, Eric leads a team of professional pilots and continually enhances and improves the safety and service levels provided to clients. Eric directs the development of operational policies and procedures, establishes recruitment processes, and coordinates crew scheduling and training curriculums. He works closely with the Director of Operations and FAA to ensure operating policies are consistent with the highest safety guidelines and helps disseminate these policies within the organization.

Eric is a 4,900 hour Airline Transport Pilot with 18+ years of flight experience. In addition to being a Certified Flight Instructor, Eric is type rated in the CE525S (Citation Jet Single Pilot), CE680 (Citation Sovereign) and CE750 (Citation X). Eric graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a B.S. degree in Chemistry.

Jason Shook

Jason’s objectives at Aviation Advisor revolve around corporate growth, relationship management and new business development. Jason has a diverse background in the aviation industry which began after earning a B.S. in Aviation Technology from Purdue University. He then focused on an aviation insurance career involving risk management and insurance placement for many sectors to include airlines, municipalities, product manufacturers, fortune 500 organizations and high net worth individuals.

From managing the aviation insurance practice for a large Chicago–based financial services firm, Jason followed his passion to become involved with aircraft from an operational perspective. He then became responsible for all aspects of business development for a national provider of air transportation services, managing in excess of (30) aircraft. Jason’s responsibilities include client management, aircraft procurement/consulting and development of third party charter programs. Jason strongly believes in the importance of service delivery and growth of client relationships.

TJ Chase

TJ is an industry veteran focused on the value of creating long term relationships by providing solutions through listening, followed by delivery. TJ’s experiences of directing a full service Part 135 charter organization, participating in client account management and creating value in an organization are attributes welcomed by Aviation Advisor. TJ understands the complexity of aircraft operations and places focus on the clear communication clients deserve when partnering with an organization such as Aviation Advisor.

TJ graduated from the University of Dubuque with a B.S. degree in Aviation Management, and currently holds a private pilot license.

Sean Harrigan

As Flight Operations Manager, Sean is responsible for the coordination of interdepartmental communication among flight operations, maintenance, business development and accounting. In addition to internal communication, Sean assists in the delivery of customer service by providing solutions and processing required details for customers and colleagues. Charter management, aircraft/crew coordination and vendor relations are also important facets of Sean’s role as Flight Operations Manager.

Sean graduated with a B.S. in Business Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and holds a Private Pilot and Instrument Rating.

Mitchel Tucker

Mitch Tucker brings 30+ years of experience in aircraft maintenance to Aviation Advisor. With over 20 years in the capacity of Director of Maintenance for Part 135 charter operations, Mitch’s experience is valued by many within the industry. His knowledge of aircraft ranging from single engines, helicopters to heavy jets is a culmination of hands on repair and service experiences and his dedication to safety and reliability.

Mitch is a graduate from Kirtland College for Aviation Technical Science and his technical qualifications include, Aircraft Mechanic-A&P/IA-Inspection Authorization as well as licensed airplane multi-engine and rotorcraft pilot.

Zenaida Padilla

Zenaida is responsible for all billing and accounting operations at Aviation Advisor. Her direct involvement in the daily accounting function allows for an expedited invoice process, along with a completely transparent approach to customer service. Zenaida draws on an extensive accounting and account management background, and provides client and owners with customized reporting solutions.

Prior to joining Aviation Advisor, Zenaida served in an accounting role for a large private aviation company in the Midwest.